Anna Maria College Rescinds Invitation to Victoria Kennedy

Submitted by Scott Jaschik on April 2, 2012 - 3:00am

Anna Maria College has withdrawn its invitation to Victoria Reggie Kennedy to be the institution's commencement speaker, The Worcester Telegram & Gazette[1] reported. The college, a Roman Catholic institution, cited the objections of the Rev. Robert J. McManus, the bishop of Worcester. Bishop McManus said he wouldn't attend the graduation ceremony with Kennedy present because of her views in favor of legal rights to abortion, gay marriage and contraception. Kennedy issued a statement in which she said: "I have not met Bishop McManus, nor has he been willing to meet with me to discuss his objections. He has not consulted with my pastor to learn more about me or my faith. Yet by objecting to my appearance at Anna Maria College, he has made a judgment about my worthiness as a Catholic. This is a sad day for me and an even sadder one for the church."